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Abstract:

A folder type mobile communication system and a hinge apparatus installed
thereto are provided. The mobile communication system includes a folder
part including a display module, a main part including a main module
electrically grounding the display module, and a hinge module, installed
to the folder part and pivotally coupled to the main part, for rotating
the folder part towards or away from the main part and electrically
grounding the display module via the main module.

Claims:

1. A mobile communication system comprising: a folder part comprising a
display module; a main part comprising a main module electrically
grounding the display module; and a hinge module, installed to the folder
part and pivotally coupled to the main part, for rotating the folder part
towards or away from the main part and electrically grounding the display
module via the main module.

2. The mobile communication system of claim 1, wherein the folder part
further comprises: a folder housing comprising an inner empty space for
receiving the display module; and a metal connector for connecting the
display module and the hinge module in the inner empty space.

3. The mobile communication system of claim 2, wherein the folder part
further comprises: a contact rib for contacting the metal connector to
the hinge module, wherein the contacting rib protrudes from the folder
housing to the inner empty space and contacts the metal connector.

4. The mobile communication system of claim 3, wherein the folder part
further comprises: a contact member for providing an elastic force to the
metal connector and for contacting the metal connector to the hinge
module, wherein the contact member is placed in an empty space defined as
the metal connector is bent and wherein the contact member respectively
contacts the contact rib and the hinge module.

5. The mobile communication system of claim 2, wherein the folder part
further comprises: a fix rib for fixing the display module in the inner
empty space, wherein the fix rib protrudes from the folder housing to the
inner empty space and wherein the fix rib contacts the display module.

6. The mobile communication system of claim 2, wherein the folder part
further comprises: a connection gasket for electrically connecting the
display module to the metal connector, wherein the connection gasket is
placed between the display module and the metal connector and wherein the
connection gasket connects the display module and the metal connector.

7. A hinge apparatus installed to a mobile communication system that
comprises a folder part comprising a display module and a main part
comprising a main module electrically grounding the display module, the
hinge apparatus comprising: a hinge module, installed to the folder part
and pivotally coupled to the main part, for rotating the folder part
towards or away from the main part; and a metal connector for
electrically connecting the display module to the hinge module so that
the hinge module is electrically grounded via the main module.

8. The hinge apparatus of claim 7, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a folder housing comprising an inner empty space for receiving
the display module and the metal connector.

9. The hinge apparatus of claim 8, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a contact rib for contacting the metal connector to the hinge
module, wherein the contacting rib protrudes from the folder housing to
the inner empty space and contacts the metal connector.

10. The hinge apparatus of claim 9, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a contact member for providing an elastic force to the metal
connector and for contacting the metal connector to the hinge module,
wherein the contact member is placed in an empty space defined as the
metal connector is bent and wherein the contact member respectively
contacts the contact rib and the hinge module.

11. The hinge apparatus of claim 8, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a fix rib for fixing the display module in the inner empty
space, wherein the fix rib protrudes from the folder housing to the inner
empty space and wherein the fix rib contacts the display module.

12. The hinge apparatus of claim 8, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a connection gasket for electrically connecting the display
module to the metal connector, wherein the connection gasket is placed
between the display module and the metal connector and wherein the
connection gasket connects the display module and the metal connector.

13. A mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising: a folder part
configured to have a display module installed therein; a main part
comprising a main module electrically connected to and electrically
grounding the display module; and a hinge module operatively connected to
the folder part and the main part, the hinge module configured for
selectively rotating the folder part towards or away from the main part
and for electrically grounding the display module via the main module.

14. The mobile terminal of claim 13, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a folder housing comprising an inner empty space for receiving
the display module; and a metal connector for connecting the display
module and the hinge module.

15. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a contact rib for operatively connecting the metal connector
to the hinge module, wherein the contacting rib protrudes from the folder
housing to the inner empty space and contacts the metal connector.

16. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a contact member for providing an elastic force to the metal
connector and for operatively connecting the metal connector to the hinge
module, wherein the contact member is placed in an empty space defined as
the metal connector is bent and wherein the contact member respectively
contacts the contact rib and the hinge module.

17. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a fix rib for fixing the display module in the inner empty
space, wherein the fix rib protrudes from the folder housing to the inner
empty space and wherein the fix rib contacts the display module.

18. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the folder part further
comprises: a connection gasket for electrically connecting the display
module to the metal connector, wherein the connection gasket is placed
between the display module and the metal connector and wherein the
connection gasket connects the display module and the metal connector.

Description:

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of
a Korean patent application filed on Dec. 7, 2011 in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2011-0129956, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile communication system.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a folder type mobile
communication system and a hinge apparatus installed thereto.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Mobile communication systems are equipped with a variety of
functions and provide various services. Mobile communication systems are
classified according to their respective shapes. For example, mobile
communication systems may be classified as a bar type, a flip type, a
folder type, a slide type, and the like. A folder type mobile
communication system includes a main body, a folder unit, and a hinge
apparatus connecting the main body and the folder unit. The hinge
apparatus connects the main body and the folder unit in such a way that
the main body and the folder unit can rotate in the direction towards or
away from each other.

[0006] Mobile communication systems include antennas, and perform RF
communication with external systems via the antennas. The RF
communication performance depends on the antenna radiation
characteristics. The optimization of the antenna radiation
characteristics in mobile communication systems is subject to the ground
performance of antenna. For example, if the antennas of mobile
communication systems have over a certain level of grounding performance,
the antenna radiation characteristics can be optimized.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for folder type mobile communication
system with enhanced grounding performance of an antenna so as to improve
the antenna radiation characteristics.

[0008] The above information is presented as background information only
to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No
determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any
of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present
invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects of the present invention are to address the above-mentioned
problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages
described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to
provide a technology to enhance the grounding performance of antenna so
that antenna radiation characteristics can be optimized.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a mobile
communication system is provided. The system includes a folder part
including a display module, a main part including a main module
electrically grounding the display module, and a hinge module, installed
to the folder part and pivotally coupled to the main part, for rotating
the folder part towards or away from the main part and electrically
grounding the display module via the main module.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hinge
apparatus installed to a mobile communication system is provided. The
apparatus includes a folder part including a display module and a main
part including a main module electrically grounding the display module,
the hinge apparatus including: a hinge module, installed to the folder
part and pivotally coupled to the main part, for rotating the folder part
towards or away from the main part; and a metal connector for
electrically connecting the display module to the hinge module so that
the hinge module is electrically grounded via the main module.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a folder part
configured to have a display module installed therein, a main part
comprising a main module electrically connected to and electrically
grounding the display module, and a hinge module operatively connected to
the folder part and the main part, the hinge module configured for
selectively rotating the folder part towards or away from the main part
and for electrically grounding the display module via the main module.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed
drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon
request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain
exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective view of a mobile
communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile
communication system according to the related art, showing components
thereof electrically connected to each other;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile
communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, showing components thereof electrically connected to each
other;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a view to show an electrical connection in a
mobile communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;

[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of a hinge
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6A illustrates graphs of radiation characteristics of a mobile
communication system according to the related art; and

[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates graphs of the radiation characteristics of a
mobile communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference
numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and
structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of
exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their
equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that
understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.
Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can
be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In
addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be
omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a mobile
communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 1A shows the mobile communication system in an open
state, and FIG. 1B shows the mobile communication system in a closed
state.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is assumed that the exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are implemented using a folder type
mobile communication system, which is hereinafter called a mobile
communication system for the sake of convenience. The mobile
communication system 100 includes a main part 110, a folder part 120, and
a hinge apparatus 130.

[0027] The main part 110 includes a main housing 111 and a main module 113
(not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The main housing 111 receives the main
module 113 and protects it. The main module 113 controls the operations
of the mobile communication system 100. The main module 113 may be a main
board that includes a base board with a ground part and a number of
devices installed on the base board. Examples of the devices are
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips, memory devices, an antenna, and the like.
The base board may be a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

[0028] The folder part 120 includes a folder housing 121 and a display
module 123. The folder housing 121 receives the display module 123 and
protects it. The display module 123 displays videos under the control of
the main module 113. The display module 123 may be implemented with a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and the like.

[0029] The hinge apparatus 130 is place between the main part 110 and the
folder part 120 and pivotally connects them. The hinge apparatus 130
includes a hinge case 131 and a hinge module 133. The hinge case 131 is
installed to the folder part 120. The hinge case 131 is attached to the
surface of the hinge module 133 and protects it. According to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, the hinge module 133 is pivotally
connected to the main part 110. For example, the hinge module 133 serves
to rotate the folder part 120 towards or away from the main part 110.
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hinge
module 133 is made of a metal material.

[0030] If the folder part 120 is positioned so as to be away from the main
part 110 as shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that the mobile communication
system 100 is in an open state. Likewise, if the folder part 120 is
folded towards the main part 110 as shown in FIG. 1B, it is assumed that
the mobile communication system 100 is in a closed state.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile
communication system according to the related art, showing components
thereof electrically connected to each other.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile communication system 200 according
to the related art is configured in such a way that the main module 213
and the display module 223 are electrically connected to each other. The
main module 1213 controls the display module 223 to display videos. The
display module 223 is grounded via the main module 213. In addition, the
main module 213 is electrically connected to the hinge module 233. The
hinge module 233 is grounded via the main module 213. For example, the
ground part of the main module 213 provides a common ground connection to
the antenna, the display module 223, and the hinge module 233.

[0033] The hinge module 233 is installed to the folder part (not shown)
and coupled to the main part (not shown). However, because the hinge
module 233 is installed to the folder part and coupled to the main part,
an electrical connection failure may occur between the hinge module 233
and the main module 213. For example, because the hinge apparatus is
rotated according to the operation of the main part, the hinge module 233
may be separated from the main module 213, thereby causing an electrical
connection failure there between. If the hinge module 233 is not
electrically connected to the main module 213, the hinge module 233 is
not grounded via the main module 213. This deteriorates the grounding
performance in the mobile communication system, and thus degrades the
antenna radiation characteristic.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile
communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, showing components thereof electrically connected to each
other. FIG. 4 illustrates a view to show an electrical connection in a
mobile communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mobile communication system 100 is
configured in such a way that the main module 113 and the display module
123 are electrically connected to each other. The main module 113
controls the display module 123 to display videos. The display module 123
is grounded via the main module 113. In addition, the display module 123
is electrically connected to the hinge module 133. The hinge module 133
is electrically connected to the main module 113 via the display module
123. The hinge module 133 is grounded via the main module 113. For
example, the ground part of the main module 113 provides a common ground
connection to the antenna, the display module 123, and the hinge module
133.

[0036] Therefore, because the hinge module 133 is installed to the folder
part 120 and coupled to the main part 110, an electrical connection is
maintained between the hinge module 133 and the main module 113. Although
the hinge apparatus 130 is rotated according to the operation of the main
part 110, the hinge module 133 is electrically connected to the display
module 123. This maintains an electrical connection between the display
module 123 and the main module 113. Because the hinge module 133 is
electrically connected to the main module 113, it can be grounded via the
main module 113. For example, the ground part of the main module 113
provides a common ground connection to the antenna 115, the display
module 123, and the hinge module 133. Therefore, the mobile communication
system 100 can enhance the grounding performance and thus optimize the
antenna radiation characteristic.

[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of a hinge
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge apparatus taken
along line A-A. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge
apparatus taken along line B-B.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the hinge apparatus 130 is installed
between the main part 110 and the folder part 120 and pivotally connects
the main part 100 and the folder part 120. The hinge apparatus 130
includes a hinge case 131, a hinge module 133, a metal connector 135, a
contact rib 137, a contact member 139, a fix rib 141, and a connection
gasket 143.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the
hinge case 131 is installed to the folder part 120. The hinge case 131 is
attached to the surface of the hinge module 133 and protects it.
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hinge
case 131 is made of the same material as the folder housing 121.

[0040] The hinge module 133 is installed to the folder part 120 and
pivotally coupled to the main part 110. The hinge module 133 serves to
rotate the folder part 120 towards or away from the main part 110. The
hinge module 133 is made of a metal material.

[0041] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the
hinge module 133 includes a hinge housing (not shown), a hinge cam (not
shown), a hinge shaft (not shown), and a hinge spring (not shown). The
hinge housing is coupled to the folder part 120 of the mobile
communication system 100. The hinge housing receives the hinge cam, the
hinge shaft, and the hinge spring. The hinge cam protrudes from the hinge
housing and is fixedly coupled to the main part 110. The hinge shaft is
coupled to the hinge cam. The hinge shaft is rotated according to the
rotation of the hinge cam in the hinge housing. The hinge spring is
installed between the shaft and the hinge housing. The hinge spring
exerts the elastic force between the hinge cam and the hinge shaft.

[0042] When the folder part 120 is rotated towards or away from the main
part 110 with respect to the hinge apparatus, the hinge housing is also
rotated according to the rotation of the hinge housing. In that case, the
hinge shaft is also rotated according to the rotation of the hinge cam in
the hinge housing. The hinge shaft is coupled to the hinge cam via the
hinge spring in the hinge housing. Although the hinge shaft is rotated
according to the rotation of the hinge cam, it is coupled to the hinge
cam via the hinge spring.

[0043] The metal connector 135 electrically couples the hinge module 133
to the display module 123. The metal connector 135 is placed in the
folder housing 121 of the folder part 120 and contacts the hinge module
133 and the display module 123 respectively. The metal connector 135
transfers an electrical signal, received via the hinge module 133, to the
display module 123. The metal connector 135 is made of a metal material.
The metal connector 135 is bent to form empty space. The metal connector
135 is bent to contact the contact rib 137 and the hinge module 133
respectively.

[0044] The contact rib 137 closely contacts the metal connector 135 to the
hinge module 133. The contact rib 137 protrudes from the folder housing
121 and contacts the metal connector 135. Because the contact rib 137
closely contacts the metal connector 135 to the hinge module 133, the
metal connector 135 is fixed between the contact rib 137 and the hinge
module 133. The contact rib 137 electrically connects the hinge module
133 and the metal connector 135. The contact rib 137 may be made of the
same material as the folder housing 121. In that case, the contact rib
137 may be integrally formed with the folder housing 121 via an injection
molding method. Alternatively, the contact rib 137 may be made of a
material that differs from that of the folder housing 121. In that case,
the contact rib 137 may first be formed via an injection molding method,
and then coupled to the folder housing 121.

[0045] The contact member 139 closely contacts the metal connector 135 to
the hinge module 133. The contact member 139 is placed in the empty space
created as the metal connector 135 is bent. The metal connector 135 forms
the empty space when it is bent to contact the contact rib 137 and the
hinge module 133. The contact member 139 provides the elastic force to
closely contact the metal connector 135 to the hinge module 133. In that
case, the metal connector 135 is fixed between the contact rib 137 and
the hinge module 133. The contact member 139 electrically connects the
hinge module 133 and the metal connector 135. The contact member 139 may
be made of a rubber material.

[0046] The fix rib 141 closely contacts the display module 123 to the
metal connector 135. The fix rib 141 protrudes from the folder housing
121 to the inner empty space and contacts the display module 123. Because
the fix rib 141 closely contacts the display module 123 to the metal
connector 135, the display module 123 is fixed between the fix rib 141
and the metal connector 135. The fix rib 141 electrically connects the
display module 123 and the metal connector 135. The fix rib 141 may be
made of the same material as the folder housing 121. In that case, the
fix rib 141 may be integrally formed with the folder housing 121 via an
injection molding method. Alternatively, the fix rib 141 may be made of a
material that differs from that of the folder housing 121. In that case,
the fix rib 141 may first be formed via an injection molding method, and
then coupled to the folder housing 121.

[0047] The connection gasket 143 closely contacts the display module 123
to the metal connector 135. The connection gasket 143, placed between the
display module 123 and the metal connector 135, connects the display
module 123 and the metal connector 135. The connection gasket 143 is
compressed or restored according to the operation of the fix rib 141. The
connection gasket 143 may be implemented with an elasticity sponge. The
connection gasket 143 electrically connects the display module 123 and
the metal connector 135. In that case, the connection gasket 143 may be
implemented with a conductive tape.

[0048] FIG. 6A illustrates graphs of radiation characteristics of a mobile
communication system according to the related art, and FIG. 6B
illustrates graphs of radiation characteristics of a mobile communication
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Channels 1, 2, and 3 denote different frequency bands.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the distribution of color in the
graphs as shown in FIG. 6B is more uniform than those shown in FIG. 6A.
The more uniform color distribution illustrated in FIG. 6B means that the
mobile communication system 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the
present invention enhances the antenna radiation characteristic because,
in contrast to the mobile communication system according to the related
art, the mobile communication system 100 is configured in such a way that
the hinge module 133 is grounded to the main module 113 via the display
module 123. When the mobile communication system 100 is in an open state,
the following Table 1 shows that it enhances the Total Radiated Power
(TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) by approximately
1.9˜2.74 dB. For example, the mobile communication system 100
according to the invention optimizes the radiation characteristic of the
antenna 115, compared with the conventional system.

[0050] The mobile communication system 100 according to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention is configured in such a way that the
hinge module 133 is installed to the folder part 120 and coupled to the
main part 110 and thus the electrical connection is maintained between
the hinge module 133 and the main module 113. Although the hinge
apparatus 130 is rotated with respect to the main part 110, the
electrical connection is maintained between the hinge module 133 and the
display module 123 and also between the display module 123 and the main
module 113. Because the hinge module 133 is electrically connected to the
main module 113, the hinge module 133 is grounded via the main module
113. For example, the ground part of the main module 113 provides a
common ground connection to the antenna 115, the display module 123, and
the hinge module 133. This configuration contributes to the optimization
in the radiation characteristic of the antenna 115 in the mobile
communication system 100.

[0051] As described above, the hinge apparatus according to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention is configured in such a way that the
hinge module is electrically connected to the main module, so that the
hinge module is grounded via the main module. For example, the hinge
module is grounded via the grounding unit of the main module, as a
command ground. Therefore, the hinge apparatus installed to a folder type
mobile communication system can enhance the grounding performance, and
this configuration accordingly contributes to the optimization in the
antenna radiation characteristic.

[0052] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to
certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.